Marquez Nicholas James

Marquez Nicholas James was born September 16, 1996 in Wayne County. He was a graduate of Southern Wayne High School in Goldsboro, NC. Upon graduation, he enlisted in the United States Army. He was a decorated veteran of the Gulf War era. He served at Camp Buehring in Kuwait. He was awarded numerous certificates of achievement. One citation reads: “For outstanding service during operation spartan shield, PVT 2nd Class James’ selfless service, professionalism and expertise greatly contributed to the success of the 3D armored brigade combat team’s mission. His actions are in keeping with the finest traditions of military service and reflect distinct credit upon himself.” This is a testament to the honor and commitment that he exhibited during his service. He took great pride in serving his country honorably in the military.

Upon his discharge, he relocated to North Carolina, where he married his loving wife, Vershaun Taylor Lewis. To this union, he brought a daughter, Aubree James, from a previous relationship and together they have a son, Jeremiah James. Marquez was extremely proud of his wife and children and cared a great deal about building a good life for all of them. He later joined Mount Zion Baptist Church, where he was baptized and remained a faithful member. Marquez worked for Guilford County Schools and was interested in continuing his education by pursuing a computer engineering degree.

Marquez made the decision to re-enlist in the military to create the life that he desired to fully take care of his family to secure their stability and future success. Marquez and Vershaun moved to Fort Carson, Colorado which was his designated duty station. The young family began to thrive and look ahead to endless possibilities.

During this assignment, they found a loving village who supported them and made the distance from home manageable. Marquez enjoyed going to the gym, outings with his family and having frequent visits from bonus mom, Veronica Nelson, aunt Cassandra Taylor and bonus brother, Vincent Lewis, Jr. from North Carolina.

He loved playing basketball in his free time and was captain of his team. His teammate shared these sentiments: “Every play, every ounce of effort, every word of encouragement came from a place of genuine love, love for the game, love for his teammates, and love for the brotherhood we built together. James led with heart, humility, and strength. He didn’t just wear the title, he lived it. He inspired others not because he had to, but because that’s who he was. But what made James truly special went far beyond the court. His love for his family ran deeper than words could express. He carried them with him in everything he did, you could see it in the way he spoke about them, in the way he lived, and in the way he fought through every challenge, even when life threw the toughest battles his way.”

Marquez received an honorable discharge in 2024 after an injury left him unable to fully discharge his duties. Marquez, Vershaun and Jeremiah moved back to North Carolina to start a new chapter in their lives filled with the hope of happiness, health and financial stability. Marquez learned to fish and enjoyed taking his family to the local parks and beach trips. Vershaun and Marquez, both 28 years old, celebrated New Year's Eve with their children, Jeremiah (4) and Aubree (6) and had dreams of this year being full of blessings and family fun. Unfortunately, it was not to be realized....Marquez had a medical diagnosis of High grade astrocytoma brain tumor. It is inoperable and incurable. He had some confusion, memory loss, pain, and fatigue but the assurance, YOU ARE BLESSED AND LOVED, was what we want him to carry with him eternally. Vershaun has shown incredible strength and immeasurable love and care for her husband throughout his illness and ultimately became his full-time caregiver. After he was referred to hospice care, Vershaun and his mother-in law, Veronica, cared for him until his passing, ensuring that he knew he was loved and not alone.

Even in his passing, he continues to teach us courage, resilience, love, and what it means to give everything you have because in his final days he would still squeeze our hand to acknowledge that he could hear us.

Heaven’s gates opened for Marquez on October 11, 2025, with his wife and mother-in-law holding his hands. God whispered, “Come to me”, and the angels gave him wings, leaving his devoted wife, Vershaun who loved him dearly and a caring and adoring family who will miss him greatly. Marquez leaves to cherish his memory, his dedicated wife: Vershaun James of the home, son, Jeremiah James of the home, daughter: Aubree James of Kathleen, Georgia, In-laws: James (Veronica) Nelson of Greensboro and Vincent Lewis Sr. & Trina King of Greensboro, Father, Fred (Elesia) James Jr., Mother, Tessa (Daryl) Jones, Sister, Khia Kenon, Brother in law, Vincent Lewis Jr., Brothers, Bril Chavious, De’Shaun James, Quan James, Trell Jones, LJ Kenon, DeSaan James and a host of family, neighbors and friends.